RELEASE
From the Parade Float to Ford Field: #MIKidsCan Turkey Day VIP Sweepstakes Winner to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Style
Teddy Lemmer
| 2 min read
DETROIT, Nov. 14, 2024 — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan today announced the winner of the 10th annual #MIKidsCan Turkey Day VIPSweepstakes: 10-year-old Zach Baca from Howell, Mich. Baca will have the experience of a lifetime; watching the Lions take on the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, having a Thanksgiving meal at Ford Field with his family, delivering the Lions’ honorary game ball and riding on Blue Cross’ float in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, presented by Gardner White.
Bacas’ Turkey Day VIP Sweepstakes prize package will also include a custom jersey and commemorative football, 10 seats for him and his family to watch the game and a special Thanksgiving dinner served at Ford Field. The sweepstakes supports Blue Cross’ ongoing commitment to children’s physical fitness and good nutrition through its #MIKidsCan campaign and ongoing partnership with the Detroit Lions’ Play 60 program. Over 7,562 kids entered this year's sweepstakes.
“Congratulations to Zach and his family for winning this year’s Turkey Day VIP Sweepstakes,” said Andrew Hetzel, vice president of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “This fall was Zach’s second year playing tackle football and he also plays travel baseball and rec league basketball. We couldn’t be prouder to have such a well-rounded individual representing our #MIKidsCan program. We are thrilled Zach will have a memorable Thanksgiving, getting to experience the Annual Thanksgiving Day Classic at Ford Field, in partnership with the Detroit Lions.”
Over the last 16 years, Blue Cross has provided more than $12 million to support kids’ health and wellness initiatives across the state through the groundbreaking Building Healthy Communities program. The grants have helped more than 1,200 Michigan schools reach 538,000 children with sustainable programs focused on the importance of daily activity and healthy food choices. For more information on the sweepstakes or Blue Cross’ ongoing efforts to help improve childhood health, visit AHealthierMichigan.org/MIKidsCan or follow #MIKidsCan on Twitter.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for over 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBlueDaily.com.
